“I don’t think [there was any way to save her],” he told KTAR News’ Mac & Gaydos. “I was in contact with her parents for now nearly two years and we tried to go through Middle Eastern countries … we were able to get some information out about her but I don’t know [specifics].”

McCain said Mueller may have been in the area of a failed rescue attempt months ago, but there is no way to be certain.

“I have to say, I think our government did everything that they could,” he said.